Multiple laundry treating machine

ABSTRACT

A new concept laundry treating machine including a pedestal laundry treating device is disclosed. The pedestal laundry treating device is capable of treating a small amount of laundry without driving a large-capacity laundry treating machine as a drying or washing machine, and functioning as a pedestal for the laundry treating machine. The multiple laundry treating machine includes a laundry treating machine body for performing a washing operation or a drying operation, a pedestal laundry treating device supporting the laundry treating machine body, and having a volume and a height smaller than those of the laundry treating machine body, the pedestal laundry treating device including a washing tub, a detergent supplier arranged in the pedestal laundry treating device, to supply a detergent to the washing tub, and a water supply pipe for supplying wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine, and more particularly, to a multiple laundry treating machine configured by coupling an auxiliary laundry treating machine to a general laundry treating machine.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a laundry treating machine means an apparatus for washing, drying, or washing and drying laundry. One laundry treating machine can perform only a washing function or a drying function or can perform both the washing and drying functions. Recently, a laundry treating machine, which includes a steam supplier, to have a refresh function for, for example, removal of creases, odor, static electricity, etc. from laundry, has been available.

Meanwhile, conventional laundry treating machines are classified into a front loading type and a top loading type in accordance with the direction that laundry is taken out. Also, conventional laundry treating machines are classified into a vertical-axis type, in which a pulsator or a washing tub rotates, and a horizontal-axis type, in which a horizontally-extending drum rotates. The representative example of such a horizontal-axis type laundry treating machine is a drum washing machine or a drum drying machine.

Such laundry treating machines have a tendency to have a large size, in order to meet the recent demand of users. That is, laundry treating machines used for domestic purposes have a tendency to have a large outer size.

Generally, only one large-capacity washing machine is equipped in a home. When it is desired to wash different kinds of laundry in an independent manner, using the washing machine, it is necessary to operate the washing machine several times. For example, when it is desired to wash laundry such as adult clothes and laundry such as underclothes or baby clothes in an independent manner, the washing machine operates two times to individually wash the two different kinds of laundry. For this reason, the washing time increases, and the consumption of energy also increases.

Furthermore, it is undesirable to use the large-capacity washing machine in washing a small amount of laundry, in terms of saving of energy, as in conventional cases. This is because the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for the case, in which the amount of laundry to be washed is large, so that the amount of water to be consumed in the washing course is large. Also, a large amount of electricity is consumed because it is necessary to rotate a large-size drum or pulsator. In additional, since the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for the case, in which the amount of laundry to be washed is large, the washing time is relatively long.

Also, the washing course set in the large-capacity washing machine is typical for general clothes. For this reason, the large-capacity washing machine may be unsuitable for the washing of delicate clothes such as underclothes or baby clothes.

In addition, the large-capacity washing machine is unsuitable in the case in which washing of a small amount of laundry should be frequently performed. Generally, users collect laundry for several days, in order to wash the collected laundry at one time.

However, leaving laundry, in particular, underclothes or baby clothes, without immediately washing them, is undesirable in terms of cleanliness. Furthermore, when such clothes are left for a long period of time, there is a problem in that they cannot be cleanly washed because dirt may be fixed to the clothes.

In this regard, it is necessary to use a small-size washing machine having a capacity much smaller than the conventional large-capacity washing machine. However, where two small-size washing machines are equipped in a home, and they are laterally arranged in parallel, there are problems associated with space utility and beauty, even though the size of the washing machines is small.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional laundry treating machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional laundry treating machine 1 includes a body 10 forming the outer structure of the laundry treating machine 1, and a control panel arranged at the front surface or top surface of the body 10.

The laundry treating machine 1 may be a washing machine, a drying machine, or a washing/drying machine.

The laundry treating machine 1 may further include a pedestal 20 for supporting the body 10 on a floor. In this case, the body 10 is laid on the pedestal 20.

In the conventional laundry treating machine, however, the pedestal 20 does not have any function other than the function to support the washing machine or drying machine.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new concept pedestal laundry treating machine combined with a large-capacity laundry treating machine, which may be a drying machine or a washing machine, the pedestal laundry treating machine being capable of treating a small amount of laundry without driving the large-capacity laundry treating machine, and functioning as a pedestal for the large-capacity laundry treating machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple laundry treating machine which can be easily implemented, using a conventional laundry treating machine and a pedestal of the laundry treating machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple laundry treating machine, which includes a detergent supplier provided for a pedestal laundry treating device, separately from a detergent supplier for a large-capacity laundry treating machine, to achieve a washing operation, only using the pedestal laundry treating device, without operating the large-capacity laundry treating machine.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple laundry treating machine in which a detergent can be supplied to both a large-capacity laundry treating machine and a pedestal laundry treating device through a detergent supplier provided at the large-capacity laundry treating machine.

Technical Solution

In one aspect of the present invention, a pedestal laundry treating device comprises: a case having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of a laundry treating machine, to stably support the laundry treating machine; a washing tub arranged in the case, to perform a washing operation; a detergent supplier arranged in the case, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe for guiding wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.

The detergent supplier may comprise a detergent box arranged in the case, to contain a detergent, and a connecting passage for connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.

The wash water supplied through the water supply pipe may be introduced into the washing tube via the detergent box and the connecting passage.

In another aspect of the present invention, a multiple laundry treating machine comprises: a laundry treating machine body for performing a washing operation or a drying operation; a pedestal laundry treating device supporting the laundry treating machine body, and having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the laundry treating machine body, the pedestal laundry treating device comprising a washing tub; a detergent supplier arranged in the pedestal laundry treating device, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe for supplying wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.

The detergent supplier may comprise a detergent box arranged in the pedestal laundry treating device, to contain a detergent, and a connecting passage for connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.

The laundry treating machine body may comprise a main washing tub, and a main detergent supplier for supplying a detergent to the main washing tub.

The main detergent supplier may comprise a main detergent box for containing a detergent, and a main connecting passage for connecting the main detergent box to the main washing tub.

The multiple laundry treating machine may further comprise a main water supply pipe for supplying wash water to the main detergent supplier.

The water supply pipe may be branched from the main water supply pipe.

The multiple laundry treating machine may further comprise a coupler for coupling the pedestal laundry treating device to one side of the laundry treating machine body.

The pedestal laundry treating device may further comprise a drawer supporting the washing tub, the drawer being forwardly movable to be drawn.

In another aspect of the present invention, a multiple laundry treating machine comprises: a laundry treating machine for performing a washing operation or a drying operation; a pedestal laundry treating device supporting the laundry treating machine, and having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the laundry treating machine, the pedestal laundry treating device comprising a washing tub; a detergent supplier arranged in the laundry treating machine, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe for supplying wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.

The detergent supplier may comprise a detergent box for containing a detergent, and a connecting passage for connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.

The laundry treating machine may comprise a main washing tub.

The detergent supplier may further comprise a main connecting passage for connecting the detergent box to the main washing tub.

The detergent box may comprise a first chamber for containing a detergent, the first chamber being connected to the main connecting passage, and a second chamber for containing a detergent, the second chamber being connected to the connecting passage.

The water supply pipe may comprise a first water supply pipe for supplying wash water to the first chamber, and a second water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe, to supply wash water to the second chamber.

The pedestal laundry treating device may further comprise a drawer supporting the washing tub, the drawer being forwardly movable to be drawn.

The multiple laundry treating machine may further comprise a coupler for coupling the pedestal laundry treating device to one side of the laundry treating machine.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to achieve a convenience in use and to save energy by the provision of a pedestal laundry treating device capable of treating a small amount of laundry without driving a laundry treating machine having a relatively-large capacity.

When the pedestal laundry treating device is used, simultaneously with the large-capacity laundry treating machine, different kinds of laundry can be simultaneously treated in an independent manner.

Since a detergent supplier is provided at the pedestal laundry treating device, there is a convenience in using only the pedestal laundry treating device.

Since it is possible to supply a detergent to both the pedestal laundry treating device and the laundry treating machine, using a single detergent box, there are effects of achieving a simple structure and a reduction in manufacturing costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional laundry treating machine;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a multiple laundry treating machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupler for coupling a pedestal laundry treating device to a laundry treating machine arranged on the pedestal laundry treating device;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pedestal laundry treating device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detergent box provided in the pedestal laundry treating device;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a multiple laundry treating machine, which includes a pedestal laundry treating device, in addition to a laundry treating machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detergent box included in a pedestal laundry treating device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a multiple laundry treating machine, which includes a pedestal laundry treating device, in addition to a laundry treating machine, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. In a multiple laundry treating machine according to the present invention, the body of a laundry treating machine thereof may be identical to that of a general laundry treating machine. Of course, a large part of the elements arranged in the body may be identical to those of the general laundry treating machine. Accordingly, no detailed description will be given of the same configuration as the general laundry treating machine.

Hereinafter, a multiple laundry treating machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a multiple laundry treating machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pedestal laundry treating device, and a coupler for coupling the pedestal laundry treating device to a laundry treating machine arranged on the pedestal laundry treating device.

The multiple laundry treating machine according to the present invention is different from conventional laundry treating machines in that the pedestal laundry treating device of the multiple laundry treating machine not only functions as a simple pedestal, but also performs an auxiliary laundry treating function, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The multiple laundry treating machine of the present invention is also different from conventional laundry treating machines in that a coupler 130 is provided at the pedestal laundry treating device, to stably couple the pedestal laundry treating device to the laundry treating machine.

In accordance with the present invention, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 is arranged at one side of the laundry treating machine 110, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 is arranged beneath the laundry treating machine 110. The pedestal laundry treating device 120 includes a case 121, and a drawer 122 slidably movable along the case 121. Preferably, a washing tub is arranged in the laundry treating machine 110, to contain laundry and to wash the contained laundry. Preferably, a drum is arranged in the washing tub.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the volume of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 be smaller than the volume of the laundry treating device 110, to which the pedestal laundry treating device 120 is coupled. It is also preferred that the height of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 be shorter than the height of the laundry treating machine 110. This is because the pedestal laundry treating device 120 is adapted to perform auxiliary functions for the laundry treating machine 110 in the present invention.

Since the pedestal laundry treating device 120 functions as a pedestal for the laundry treating machine 110, it is also preferred that at least one of the lateral and longitudinal widths of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 be equal to or longer than that of the laundry treating machine 110, taking into consideration the stability and appearance design of the multiple laundry treating machine 100.

Meanwhile, the multiple laundry treating machine 100 according to the present invention includes a coupler 130 for coupling the laundry treating machine 110 and pedestal laundry treating device 120. In this case, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 supports the laundry treating machine 110 on a floor.

Hereinafter, the coupler 130, which couples the laundry treating machine 110 and pedestal laundry treating device 120, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with the present invention, the coupler 130 may include leg supporters 125 mounted on the top of the pedestal laundry treating device 120, to support side surfaces of lower legs 116 and 117 included in the laundry treating machine 110.

Each leg supporter 125 comprises a panel formed with a first seating hole 126 for providing a seat for one leg 116 included in the laundry treating machine 110 in the case in which the laundry treating machine 110 is a washing/drying machine, and a second seating hole 127 for providing a seat for one leg 117 included in the laundry treating machine 110 in the case in which the laundry treating machine 110 is a drying machine. Each leg supporter 125 is fixed to the top of the auxiliary body 120 by means of screws. Here, the washing/drying machine and drying machine are examples of laundry treating machines, in which the outer size of the washing/drying machine is larger than that of the drying machine.

The leg supporters 125 are fixed to respective corners of the top of the pedestal laundry treating device 120. In each of the leg supporters 125 fixed to the front corners of the pedestal laundry treating device 120, the first and second seating holes 126 and 127 are connected to each other. On the other hand, in each of the leg supporters 125 fixed to the rear corners of the pedestal laundry treating device 120, the first and second seating holes 126 and 127 are separated from each other. In accordance with these structures, it is possible to easily achieve the seating of the legs 116 of the laundry treating machine 110.

In each leg supporter 125, the first seating hole 126 is arranged outside the second seating hole 127 along a diagonal line on the bottom of the laundry treating machine 110. This is because, typically, the body of the washing/drying machine is larger than the body of the drying machine.

The coupler 130 includes coupling members 138 mounted to opposite side surfaces of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 arranged beneath the laundry treating machine 110, and fixing members 135 for fixing the coupling members 138 to the opposite side surfaces of the laundry treating machine 110 and opposite side surfaces of the pedestal laundry treating device 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupler 130 may include at least two coupling members 138 each coupling the adjacent side surfaces of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 and the laundry treating machine 110, each of which has a hexahedral shape.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the coupler 130 may further include third coupling member (not shown) for coupling the rear surfaces of the pedestal laundry treating device 120 and the laundry treating machine 110.

The coupler 130 may be configured to cope with a variation in the height of the washing/drying machine legs 116 or drying machine legs 117.

Each fixing member 135 includes a first fixing member 136 for fixing an upper portion of the associated coupling member 138 to a lower portion of the side surface of the body 110 of the laundry treating machine 110, to which the coupling member 138 is mounted, and a second fixing member 137 for fixing a lower portion of the coupling member 138 to an upper portion of the side surface of the pedestal laundry treating device 120, to which the coupling member is mounted.

At least one of the first and second fixing members 136 and 137 may comprise a member coated, at opposite surfaces thereof, with an adhesive material, for example, a double-sided tape.

Alternatively, at least one of the first and second fixing members 136 and 137 may comprise a fastener such as a screw. Where screws are used for each fixing member 135, the associated coupling member 138 preferably has fastening holes formed through the upper portion of the coupling member 138 while being spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

Of course, the coupler for coupling the laundry treating machine 110 and pedestal laundry treating device 120 may have various configurations different from the above-described configuration.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pedestal laundry treating device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 includes a case 121, and a drawer 122 slidably movable along the case 121. A washing tub 72, which can perform a washing operation, is arranged in the drawer 122. The washing tub 72 includes an inner tub 72 a for containing laundry, and an outer tub 72 b arranged outside the inner tub 72 a. Through the outer tub 72 b, wash water enters or exits the inner tub 72 a.

The washing operation of the washing tub 72 may be achieved, not only using a pulsator rotating system, but also using a tub rotating system. In order to rotate the pulsator or the inner tub, it is necessary to provide a motor 190 for generating power.

In order to achieve an effective washing operation by the washing tub 72, it is also necessary to use a detergent. Accordingly, a detergent supplier 35 should be provided. In accordance with the present invention, the detergent supplier 35 includes a detergent box 31 for containing a detergent, and a connecting passage 62 for connecting the detergent box 31 to the washing tub 72. The detergent supplier 35 is arranged in the case 121. The detergent box 31 may be mounted in the drawer 122. Alternatively, the detergent box 31 may be designed such that it can be forwardly ejected from the drawer 122.

In this case, when it is desired to achieve a washing operation only by the pedestal laundry treating device 120, the washing operation can be carried out using the detergent supplier 35 provided at the pedestal laundry treating device 120, without using a main detergent supplier provided at the laundry treating machine 110.

Accordingly, when the user desires that laundry be washed by the pedestal laundry treating device 120, he pours a certain amount of detergent into the detergent box 31, and then presses a washing button, to input a command enabling the execution of a washing operation. In response to the command, wash water from an external water supply source is introduced into the detergent box 31 via a water supply pipe 52. The introduced wash water is then supplied to the washing tub 72 via the connecting passage 62.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detergent box provided in the pedestal laundry treating device.

Referring to FIG. 5, wash water, which is supplied to the detergent box 31 via the water supply pipe 52 after the supply of a detergent to the detergent box 31, is supplied to the washing tub 72 via the connecting passage 62 connected to an outlet 62 a, together with the detergent contained in the detergent box 31.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the multiple laundry treating machine, which includes the pedestal laundry treating device, in addition to the laundry treating machine.

Referring to FIG. 6, the multiple laundry treating machine 100 includes the laundry treating machine 110 and the pedestal laundry treating device 120.

The laundry treating machine 110 may perform a washing operation and a drying operation. As described above, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 supports the laundry treating machine 110, and has a volume and a height smaller than those of the laundry treating machine 110. The pedestal laundry treating device 120 includes the washing tub 72, which is arranged in the interior of the pedestal laundry treating device 120.

As described above, the pedestal laundry treating device 120 also includes the coupler for coupling the pedestal laundry treating device 120 to the bottom of the laundry treating machine 110.

The pedestal laundry treating device 120 includes the drawer 122, which supports the washing tub 72, and can be forwardly drawn.

On the other hand, the multiple laundry treating machine 100 also includes a main washing tub 71 arranged in the laundry treating machine 110, to enable the laundry treating machine 110 to perform a washing operation, and a main motor 191 for generating power to rotate the main washing tub 71.

Preferably, the main washing tub 71 is a drum type washing tub. In this case, the drum type washing tub includes an inner tub (not shown) for containing laundry, and an outer tub (not shown) arranged outside the inner tub. Through the outer tub, wash water enters or exits the inner tub.

In order to achieve an effective washing operation by the main washing tub 71, a detergent may be supplied to the main washing tub 71. Accordingly, a main detergent supplier 36 should be provided in the laundry treating machine 110.

The main detergent supplier 36 may be arranged at a top portion of the laundry treating machine 110 inside the laundry treating machine 110. The main detergent supplier 36 includes a main detergent box 30 for containing a detergent, and a main connecting passage 61 for connecting the main detergent box 30 to the main washing tub 71.

The main detergent box 30 is connected to a main water supply pipe 51. Accordingly wash water, which is supplied through the main water supply pipe 51, is supplied to the main washing tub 71 via the main detergent box 30 and main connecting passage 61.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the user desires that laundry be washed by the pedestal laundry treating device 120, he pours a certain amount of detergent into the detergent box 31, and then presses the washing button, to input a command enabling the execution of a washing operation. In response to the command, wash water from the external water supply source is introduced into the detergent box 31 via the water supply pipe 52. The introduced wash water is then supplied to the washing tub 72 via the connecting passage 62. Thereafter, an inner tub or a pulsator is rotated by power generated from the motor 190, thereby washing the laundry.

In this case, the water supply pipe 52, which supplies wash water to the pedestal laundry treating device 120, should be connected to an external water supply source. In order to achieve a washing operation by the laundry treating machine 110, the multiple laundry treating machine 100 includes the main water supply pipe 51, which supplies wash water to the main washing tub 71 via the main detergent supplier 36. The main water supply pipe 51 should be connected to an external water supply source.

Accordingly, where there are two external water supply sources, the main water supply pipe 51 and water supply pipe 52 are connected to respective external water supply sources, to supply wash water. However, such a connection cannot be achieved where there is only one water supply source. In this case, accordingly, the main water supply pipe 51 may be connected to the water supply source, and the water supply pipe 52 may be branched from the main water supply pipe 51.

When such a branching structure is used, it is possible to supply wash water from a single water supply source to two water supply pipes.

When the pedestal laundry treating device 120 performs a washing operation, wash water should flow only through the water supply pipe 52, which guides the wash water to the washing tub 72. In order to prevent wash water from entering the main detergent box 30 in this case, a valve means, for example, a main damper 40 a, may be arranged in the main water supply pipe 51, from which the water supply pipe 52 is branched.

On the other hand, when the laundry treating machine 110 performs a washing operation, wash water should flow only through the main water supply pipe 51, which guides the wash water to the main washing tub 71. In order to prevent wash water from entering the detergent box 31 in this case, another valve means, for example, a damper 40 b, may be arranged in the water supply pipe 52 at a position where the water supply pipe 52 is branched from the main water supply pipe 51.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detergent box included in a detergent supplier according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same constituent elements as those of the previous embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, respectively, and no repeated description thereof will be given.

Referring to FIG. 7, the detergent box 300 includes a first chamber 310 for containing a detergent to be supplied to the main washing tub 71 of the laundry treating machine 110, and a second chamber 320 for containing a detergent to be supplied to the washing tub 72 of the pedestal laundry treating device 120.

The first chamber 310 is formed with a first inlet 311 for a connection with the main water supply pipe 51, and a first connecting port 312 for a connection with the main connecting passage 61 connected to the main washing tub 71.

The second chamber 320 is formed with a second inlet 321 for a connection with the water supply pipe 52, and a second connecting port 322 for a connection with the connecting passage 62 connected to the washing tub 72.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a multiple laundry treating machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the multiple laundry treating machine 100 includes a laundry treating machine 110 and a pedestal laundry treating device 120. The pedestal laundry treating device 120 includes a case 121, and a drawer 122 arranged in the case 121 such that it is slidably movable along the case 121, so as to be drawn. A washing tub 72, which can perform a washing operation, is arranged in the drawer 122. The washing tub 72 includes an inner tub 72 a for containing laundry, and an outer tub 72 b arranged outside the inner tub 72 a. Through the outer tub 72 b, wash water enters or exits the inner tub 72 a.

The pedestal laundry treating device 120 also includes a motor 190 for generating power required for the execution of a washing operation by the washing tub 72. The washing operation of the washing tub 72 may be achieved using a tub rotating system, in which an inner tub is rotated by the power from the motor 190, or a pulsator rotating system in which a pulsator arranged in the inner tub is rotated by the power from the motor 190.

Hereinafter, configurations for supplying a detergent and wash water to a main washing tub 71 of the laundry treating machine 110 and the washing tub 72 will be described.

The multiple laundry treating machine 100 includes a detergent box 300 for containing a detergent. The detergent box 300 is divided into a first chamber 310 and a second chamber 320, as in the case of FIG. 7. The detergent box 300 is connected to a water supply pipe 50. Where there are two external water supply sources, two separate water supply pipes 50 may be connected to respective external water supply sources, and may be connected to the first and second chambers 310 and 320, respectively. However, where there is a single external water supply source, the water supply pipe 50, which is connected to the external water supply source, is branched into a first water supply pipe 51 and a second water supply pipe 52. In this case, the first water supply pipe 51 is connected to the first chamber 310, whereas the second water supply pipe 52 is connected to the second chamber 320. The first chamber 310 is connected to a main connecting passage 61 extending to the main washing tub 71. Similarly, the second chamber 320 is connected to a connecting passage 62 extending to the washing tub 72.

Thus, wash water from an external water supply source can be introduced into the main washing tub 71 after sequentially passing through the first water supply pipe 51, first chamber 310, and main connecting passage 61, in this order.

On the other hand, wash water from the external water supply source can be introduced into the washing tub 72 after sequentially passing through the second water supply pipe 52, second chamber 320, and connecting passage 62, in this order.

Meanwhile, it may be necessary to perform a washing operation by only one of the laundry treating machine 110 and pedestal laundry treating device 120. For example, when it is necessary to perform a large-capacity washing operation, only the laundry treating machine 110 will be used. In this case, wash water should flow only through the first water supply pipe 51. In this case, accordingly, a valve means, for example, a main damper 40 b, may be arranged at a position where the second water supply pipe 52 is branched from the first water supply pipe 51.

On the other hand, when it is desired to use only the pedestal laundry treating device 120, it is necessary to prevent wash water from entering the first chamber 310.

In this case, accordingly, a valve means, for example, a damper 40 a, may be arranged at the position where the second water supply pipe 52 is branched from the first water supply pipe 51, in order to prevent wash water from entering the first chamber 310.

Thus, it is possible to supply wash water to only one of the laundry treating machine 110 and pedestal laundry treating device 120 in accordance with the operation of the associated damper. Accordingly, a desired washing operation can be achieved only by the laundry treating machine 110 or pedestal laundry treating device 120, to which wash water is supplied.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to achieve a convenience in use and to save energy by the provision of a pedestal laundry treating device capable of treating a small amount of laundry without driving a laundry treating machine having a relatively-large capacity.

When the pedestal laundry treating device is used, simultaneously with the large-capacity laundry treating machine, different kinds of laundry can be simultaneously treated in an independent manner.

Since a detergent supplier is provided at the pedestal laundry treating device, there is a convenience in using only the pedestal laundry treating device. Since it is possible to supply a detergent to both the pedestal laundry treating device and the laundry treating machine, using a single detergent box, there are effects of achieving a simple structure and a reduction in manufacturing costs. 

1. A pedestal laundry treating device comprising: a case having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of a laundry treating machine, to stably support the laundry treating machine; a washing tub arranged in the case, to perform a washing operation; a detergent supplier arranged in the case, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe guiding wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.
 2. The pedestal laundry treating device according to claim 1, wherein the detergent supplier comprises: a detergent box arranged in the case, to contain a detergent; and a connecting passage connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.
 3. The pedestal laundry treating device according to claim 2, wherein the wash water supplied through the water supply pipe is introduced into the washing tube via the detergent box and the connecting passage.
 4. A multiple laundry treating machine comprising: a laundry treating machine body performing a washing operation or a drying operation; a pedestal laundry treating device supporting the laundry treating machine body, and having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the laundry treating machine body, the pedestal laundry treating device comprising a washing tub; a detergent supplier arranged in the pedestal laundry treating device, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe supplying wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.
 5. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 4, wherein the detergent supplier comprises: a detergent box arranged in the pedestal laundry treating device, to contain a detergent; and a connecting passage connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.
 6. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 5, wherein the laundry treating machine body comprises: a main washing tub; and a main detergent supplier for supplying a detergent to the main washing tub.
 7. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 6, wherein the main detergent supplier comprises: a main detergent box containing a detergent; and a main connecting passage connecting the main detergent box to the main washing tub.
 8. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a main water supply pipe supplying wash water to the main detergent supplier.
 9. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 8, wherein the water supply pipe is branched from the main water supply pipe.
 10. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a coupler coupling the pedestal laundry treating device to one side of the laundry treating machine body.
 11. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 4, wherein the pedestal laundry treating device further comprises a drawer supporting the washing tub, the drawer being forwardly movable to be drawn.
 12. A multiple laundry treating machine comprising: a laundry treating machine performing a washing operation or a drying operation; a pedestal laundry treating device supporting the laundry treating machine, and having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the laundry treating machine, the pedestal laundry treating device comprising a washing tub; a detergent supplier arranged in the laundry treating machine, to supply a detergent to the washing tub; and a water supply pipe supplying wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supplier.
 13. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 12, wherein the detergent supplier comprises: a detergent box containing a detergent; and a connecting passage connecting the detergent box to the washing tub.
 14. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 13, wherein the laundry treating machine comprises a main washing tub.
 15. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 14, wherein the detergent supplier further comprises a main connecting passage connecting the detergent box to the main washing tub.
 16. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 15, wherein the detergent box comprises: a first chamber containing a detergent, the first chamber being connected to the main connecting passage; and a second chamber containing a detergent, the second chamber being connected to the connecting passage.
 17. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 16, wherein the water supply pipe comprises: a first water supply pipe supplying wash water to the first chamber; and a second water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe, to supply wash water to the second chamber.
 18. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 12, wherein the pedestal laundry treating device further comprises a drawer supporting the washing tub, the drawer being forwardly movable to be drawn.
 19. The multiple laundry treating machine according to claim 12, further comprising: a coupler coupling the pedestal laundry treating device to one side of the laundry treating machine. 